Today, Frank Nappi stopped by for a quick interview about, among other things, Nobody Has To Know. While you are here, remember to enter the giveaway.
Thank you so much for stopping by today.
You cover a very controversial topic in Nobody Needs To Know. Did your profession as a teacher create additional challenges for you while writing and releasing this book?
I am a high school teacher and recognized right away the potential for criticism from those who were unable to separate artist from art. However, my colleagues were for the most part great. The simple fact that something is put in print does not automatically render it true. And while there will always exist similarities between fictional events and those which actually transpired, many times authors will use fictional frameworks as a vehicle to express larger thoughts and observations about the human condition that while disturbing, need to be and should be explored.
I know there are a lot of books out there that cover topics such as this in a way that almost glorifies them. You cover it from a very different angle. Can you help clarify this for those readers who are intrigued by your book but concerned the book may make the relationship seem "positive" for lack of a better word?
The book was inspired by the same thing that always inspires me - Essentially, when I observe a facet of the human condition that I feel is worthy of exploration, I begin to create scenarios or vehicles through which I may examine this. The rest of the process sort of evolves from there.The book is not about sexual encounters between minors and adults. While this is one of the darker aspects of the story, the indiscretions that occur in the story are simply vehicles through which the issues of pain and loss and damaged psyches may be explored. It is my hope that readers will not become mired in this one facet of the story and that they will take more than just a cursory look at the story and allow themselves to delve deeper into the real issues that are examined.
The first thing that popped out at me while reading the synopsis was the use of text messages because I do not have a cell and do not understand cell lingo. Is it important that you be fluent in the modern text slang to have this book flow the way it was intended?
Not at all. Whether you have a fluent understanding of "cell lingo" or not will have no impact on you enjoying and understanding NOBODY HAS TO KNOW. While I use text messaging in this novel - I don't use the texting abbrievations etc. that some people may be unfamiliar with.
Do your student know you write/read your books? I know they are not YA geared, but I also know that that rarely is the criteria teens use when selecting books. ;) .
My students know that I am an author. In fact, the last two years I have taught my book, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, to my 11th graders. This has been such a rewarding experience. The students have taught me a thing or two about my characters! Many of my students have then taken the time to read the sequel Sophomore Campaign on their own time. While NOBODY HAS TO KNOW is not the type of book you ask your supervisor to teach given the subject matter, many of my students, past and present, have read it and shared their thoughts with me. This too has been rewarding.
On a much lighter note: What is your favorite book to teach and why?
The Great Gatsby – my favorite author is probably the favorite author of every writer – or at least he should be. F.Scott Fitzgerald was a linguistic genius. He understood the rhythm of the written word the way a composer understands musical notes. There is such an ease and natural flow to his work – tantamount to the way the birds sing. It’s seamless, beautiful and moving. The Great Gatsby, his signature work, embodies all of these qualities like no other work of American fiction. Many of Fitzgerald’s shorter works possess this same artfulness.
A quick favorites quiz:
Favorite Restaurant - Krisch's Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor
Nobody Has To Know, Frank Nappi's dark and daring new thriller, tells the story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path. Stalked through text-messages, Baldridge fights for his life against a terrifying extortion plot and the forces that threaten to expose him. NHTK is a sobering look into a world of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and will leave the reader wondering many things, including whether or not you can ever really know the person you love.
Purchase Nobody Has To Know on Amazon.
"A haunting, briskly-paced page turner that explores the darkest recesses of the human psyche while propelling the reader through an intricate series of hair-raising twists and turns. Nobody Has to Know is a masterfully written tale that is expertly told. Frank Nappi knows how to entertain the reader from start to finish."
-- #1 New York TimesBestselling Author Nelson DeMille
About Author Frank Nappi
Frank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, Echoes From The Infantry, received national attention, including MWSA's silver medal for outstanding fiction. His follow-up novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, garnered rave reviews as well, including a movie adaptation of the touching story "A Mile in His Shoes" starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder. Frank continues to produce quality work, including Sophomore Campaign, the intriguing sequel to the much heralded original story and the just released thriller, NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, which received an endorsement from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille. Frank is presently at work on a third installment of his Mickey Tussler series and his next thriller. He lives on Long Island with his wife Julia and their two sons, Nicholas and Anthony.
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4 comments:
Yes, I did have a crush on a teacher. Nothing ever came of it of course. Thanks for the giveaway!
No crushes on any of my teachers but if there had been a hot and young teacher I am sure all of us girls would have had a crush.
I didn't have a crush on a teacher but we had some good looking teachers.
Controversial but I enjoyed it.
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